If you love the irresistible flavors of egg rolls but want a lighter, quicker, and less messy alternative, you are in for a treat! Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe brings all the savory, crunchy, and tangy elements of traditional egg rolls straight to your plate in a vibrant, easy-to-make bowl. Packed with seasoned ground chicken, fresh coleslaw mix, and bold Asian-inspired sauces, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels wholesome yet indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch with a veggie-packed punch, these bowls deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the backbone of this dish, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes the chicken egg roll bowls sing. From protein to crunch to the perfect savory sauce, here is everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.
- Ground chicken (1 lb.): Lean and tender, it takes on all the spices beautifully for a flavorful base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and ground pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami depth while keeping sodium in check.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings that unmistakable nutty aroma classic to Asian cuisine.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A fragrant punch that brightens the overall profile.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Offers a warm, zesty kick balancing the savory notes.
- Roasted red chili paste (1 teaspoon): For a subtle heat that elevates without overwhelming.
- Coleslaw mix (4 cups): Crisp and fresh, providing the crunch and color reminiscent of egg roll filling.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Adds a mild oniony freshness and vibrant green accents.
- Sesame seeds: A simple garnish that adds texture and eye appeal.
How to Make Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This creates the perfect base to cook the ground chicken, ensuring it doesn’t stick and gets a lovely golden-brown sear.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and season generously with salt and ground pepper. As the meat starts to brown, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a nice crumbly texture. This step is key because a well-browned protein brings out deeper, richer flavors.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the chicken looks nicely cooked, toss in the minced garlic and fresh grated ginger. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until their fragrance fills the kitchen—this is where the magic truly begins!
Step 4: Incorporate Sauces and Spice
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir in the roasted red chili paste. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. This combination gives your dish a savory, nutty, and subtly spicy character that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Toss in the Coleslaw Mix and Green Onions
Add the fresh coleslaw mix and sliced green onions directly to the skillet, then toss and stir until everything is well combined. Cook this for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the coleslaw wilts slightly but still retains some crispness—this textural contrast is essential.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. This simple garnish adds that perfect finishing touch, both visually and in texture. Your Chicken Egg Roll Bowls are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl even further, consider adding extra sliced green onions or a drizzle of sriracha for some fiery kick. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime can also brighten it up beautifully, introducing fresh herbal and citrus notes that pair wonderfully with the savory meat and cabbage.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a standalone meal, pairing it with light sides like steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a crisp cucumber salad can round out your plate delightfully. These sides help balance the rich savoriness of the chicken egg roll bowls and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these bowls inside halved bell peppers or lettuce cups to mimic the handheld experience of an egg roll but with a healthy, gluten-free spin. Another idea is plating it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, perfect for anyone watching their carbs but craving bold flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and chances are you just might), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when rested, so your next meal will be just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, but for best texture, consider freezing the cooked meat mixture separately from the coleslaw mix. This prevents the cabbage from becoming too watery upon thawing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the bowls gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce to keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully here, offering a similar texture and adapting well to the savory seasonings in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for most dietary needs.
How spicy is the dish?
The roasted red chili paste adds a mild heat that you can easily adjust by adding more or less according to your preference. It strikes a pleasant balance without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. Just add them in with the coleslaw mix during cooking.
What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?
If you don’t have coleslaw mix, finely shredded cabbage and carrots will work just as well, giving you the same crunchy texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to give these Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those rewarding meals that feels cozy and satisfying yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor. Once you taste it, I bet it will become one of your go-to recipes too!
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Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken Egg Roll Bowls offer a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional egg rolls by combining ground chicken, vegetables, and Asian-inspired seasonings in a quick skillet dish. This recipe is easy to make, packed with protein, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 lb. ground chicken (or ground turkey, beef, or pork)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings and Sauces
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon roasted red chili paste (or more if you like spice)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook the meat: Add ground chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate sauces: Mix in low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and roasted red chili paste, then let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just wilted and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or pork according to preference.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste depending on your spice tolerance.
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced sodium soy sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
